Nambour Orchid News FebruaryMay 2018 2018

Judges Choice - April - Bulbophyllum medusae. This species is epiphytic and lithophytic. It grows on limestone rocks in Thailand, western Malaysia, the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, Singapore, and the Philippines. I purchased this plant from Robert Trost at our Species Show in November 2011. It had three pseudobulbs growing in an 80mm pot, and sat and sulked for a year before starting to grow. It flowered for the first time in April 2014 with two inflorescences. May 2016, eight inflorescences, and later that year was potted up into the current size saucer, 260 x 50 mm. The plant has doubled in size since then. It is growing in a mixture of perlite and peat at a ratio of 12-1 with small amounts of medium bark, charcoal, diatomite and coconut pieces, with some gravel on top. It is under 70 percent shadecloth during summer, with a layer of solar weave added for winter. Watering is done to suit weather conditions, every second or third day in warmer weather, in cold conditions about once a week. I use a small amount of Plantacote Top K controlled release fertiliser twice a year, and use various foliar fertilisers at half strength every two weeks. Once a month I use a systemic fungicide, next month contact insecticide, following month contact fungicide, then systemic insecticide. Mid April the plant had four inflorescences open, but still lots of buds. Then, with good timing, two days before our meeting, nineteen inflorescences opened. At the meeting, a panel of judges considered the plant for an award, and it received an HCC and ACC. Thank you judges, you made my day. Judy

PO Box 140, Nambour QLD 4560 . [email protected] www.nambourorchidsociety.com Find us on

Secretary news May Eight of our members travelled to the South Burnett Orchid Society show, held on the weekend of the Wondai Garden expo in April. A great effort from our members and all came home with at least one ribbon. Congratulations go to Judy for taking out Champion species with her Prosthechea boothiana. South Burnett is only a very small club and it is nice to see such great support for them from our members. We all had a wonderful social day amongst fellow orchid growers. Our next show was Gympie which we came home from with some success also. Tie for 2nd place display with Agnes Water, and a nice lot of ribbons. John Robertson was the winner of Champion Orchid with Cycd.Taiwan Gold, & Judy took out Champion species with one of her favourites, Phalaenopsis bellina. Congratulations to all the winners. We now have a bit of a break from shows, our next event as a club will be Garden Expo display in July. Results from Gympie display are below.

C & G McMonagle Dendrobium rigidum 3rd C & M Brackin C. Tangerine Jewel x 3rd (Rsc. Dream Trader x C. Mari’s Song)

Den. Burana Dark Blue 3rd J Robbins Phalaenopsis bellina 1st &Champion species Ctyh. Mae Bly 2nd C. Butterfly Wings 3rd Den. Mitzuao White 3rd Phrag. Noirmont 3r Aglaonema 3rd

J Robertson Cycd. Taiwan Gold 1st & Champion Orchid Den.Asteroid Asternova x Dal’s Classic 1st Den. Mitzuao White 2nd Den. Excelsa 2nd Phalaenopsis amboinensis 2nd Rlc. Village Chief Armani 2nd Rlc. Chief Emperor 3rd Oncsa. Sweet Sugar 3rd

R & J Aisthorpe Vanda luzonica 2nd Coelogyne fimbriata 3rd Trichoglottis atropurpurea 3rd

Our species get together has moved to the second Sunday of each month. This will avoid clashes with STOCQ meetings and other shows in our area. The June meeting will be at the Home of Alan & Alison. Charlie’s Cultural Corner from 1.15pm to 1.45pm each meeting day is going from strength to strength. I like to call him the Pied Piper. He has quite a following. If you can help Charlie at any time, please see him and offer your assistance. Members can sell spare Orchids or foliage plants at our meetings. Only plants that we would use in show displays are permitted. Please remember to add your gold coin donation to the honesty box. Our new members shirts are available to Order. If you would like one, please Email or see Alison at the meeting. Cost to members is $25 for the shirt with logo + $5.50 if you require a pocket. Name badges are also available to order. Cost is $5.00 new members or $10.95 if you require a replacement. Thank you to the members who provide and assist with afternoon tea at our meetings. Your efforts are very much appreciated. PRESIDENT’S REPORT With several Orchid Shows behind us, we have a short breather before the next round. Many thanks to all who assisted in the tasks associated with these events. What a pleasure to have, at long last, some cooler weather. I hope you are all enjoying a surge in vitality and finding time to do the tasks that have been put off because it was “Too Hot”! At our April meeting we enjoyed the presentation on Botanical Art put together by Beryl Robertson and marvelled at her exquisite representation of orchids, wild flowers and butterflies in watercolours. Thank you so much Beryl for sharing your talents with us and maybe inspiring others to try as well. I am grateful for all the work that our members do to keep the wheels rolling, at meetings and other activities. We endeavour to make your membership meaningful and enjoyable and appreciate any suggestions that you may wish to put to the Committee. Cheers, Gina

Judges Choice - Novice Dendrobium Burana Dark Blue We purchased this plant last March at the Yandina Show. It was flowering at the time with 3 flower spikes. This year it bloomed in early March with one long flower spike. It is grown in our green house under 70% shade. Usual watering and fertilizing. The parent plants are Dendrobium Fuchs Blue Angel X Dendrobium Kikuya. The blooms on this plant gives us great joy and is still looking good today. Patrick and Heather

Wondai Garden expo

Bulbophyllum Wilbur Chang Phalaenopsis group Den. Fraser's Green Dragon x Gastrochilus retrocallus Bill Judy Den. Kuranda Sparkle Alan & Alison Charlie & Gina

Den. bigibbum Judy Phragmipedium unknown Rlc. Burdekin Jewel 'Kaye' Rob & Joan John & Kaye

Trichoglottis philippinensis Prosthechea boothiana Oncidesa Sweet Sugar Ptst. baptistii Duncan Col. Alan & Alison

Fittonia Care by Sean Hemmer - updated November 28, 2016

Fittonia Overview Fittonia is often called the "nerve plant" or "mosaic plant" due to the bright, contrasting veins that run through the leaves. There are many cultivars of the nerve plant that feature many different styles of veining and foliage. The plant is native to the warm, humid regions of South America - especially Peru. This makes fittonia require care that is different compared to most houseplants. The plant's requirement for high humidity and moist soil calls for regular watering and misting. Soil also needs to be suitable for fittonia to keep the foliage healthy. Pruning should also be performed to keep the plant looking full and Pink Vein Fittonia bushy, and to prevent the plant from wasting resources on boring blooms during its flowering stage. A little fertilizer can be used to replenish nutrients a few months after potting.

Light Requirements for Fittonia Fittonia need filtered sunlight to flourish. Filtered light is similar to the light the plant receives under the canopies of its native tropical lands. Bright, direct sunlight will cause the edges of the leaves to burn, discolor, and become crispy. Move the plant further away from sunlight if burning occurs. Artificial Lighting Indoor fluorescent lighting can be used, but the plant needs to be placed close to the lights. Fluorescent lighting is not very intense, thus the close placement of the plant. Metal halide or high- pressure sodium lamps work great, but may be a bit too intense if placed close to the lamp. Metal halide and high-pressure sodium lamps are much pricier compared to fluorescent lamps.

Watering Fittonia The soil should always remain moist due to the tropical nature of fittonia. Use room temperature water and thoroughly moisten the soil, but do not water so much as to cause waterlogged soil. Waterlogged soil promotes disease and restricts air flow to and around the roots. Pouring out excess water is a must. Overwatering will cause discoloration and wilting of the leaves. The best method to estimate when to water is by feeling the weight of the container before and after a thorough watering. Poking a finger into the soil to test for moisture will only test the upper few inches of the container. Placing a pot with drainage holes in a tray will create a little humidity. Adding gravel to the tray will slow down the rate of evaporation, and increases the time between waterings. Always use water that is room temperature.

Misting Fittonia need regular misting to keep the leaves from becoming limp and wilted. The plant is indigenous to tropical regions and has grown to require moisture on the foliage. Mist once or twice a day, along with regular watering. Wilting is only temporary, as long as a little watering and misting occurs soon after. Repeated wilting will stress the plant and is not healthy over time. Soil for Fittonia Soil that drains well is a necessity for fittonia to flourish. The soil should also be high in organic content, which mimics its native tropical habitat. Soil high in organic matter will retain water, but may hold a little too much water. The soil should never remain waterlogged. Soil that remains saturated promotes disease and root rot. Amend waterlogged soil by mixing in coarse sand and/or perlite to facilitate drainage. A good soil mixture consists of equal parts potting soil, course sand, humus, and peat. Potting soil is balanced in drainage and nutrient value, sand promotes drainage, humus retains moisture and builds a good soil structure, and peat is rich in organic matter and releases a little nutrient value as it decomposes. This mix isn't always a must. Soil from the backyard garden may work just fine, as long as the drainage is good and the structure is not too sandy or clayey. Pruning Fittonia Fittonia can grow quickly within their desired environment, so pinching off the tips of leggy stems will keep the plant bushy and dense. Remove small flower spikes as well. The flowers are boring and use up resources the plant could be using to grow more attractive foliage. Nip the flower spike at its origin. Removing the flower will not harm the plant at all. It will continue to grow foliage just fine. Although, the flower can be left to grow if desired. The picture to the left features a green flower spike in the middle of the plant. This spike was later removed at its source, which resided on the side of a stem. Fertilizing Fittonia Fittonia can be fertilized a few months after repotting with a balanced houseplant water soluble (5-5-5 NPK) fertilizer or granular fertilizer. Dilute by half the recommended amount listed on the package when using a water soluble fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer solution between waterings. This will prevent excess fertilizer which can cause the foliage to burn and possibly kill the plant. Granular fertilizer releases nutrients slowly over time. It can be applied on top the soil or mixed into the soil. Granular fertilizer should still be used in small amounts to prevent damage to the plant as well. Acknowledgement: Thanks to Sean for this article. He has been in the industry of gardening and landscaping since 2006. He is also a certified arborist that tends to focus on plant health. Mal

A selection of plants on display at April meeting

Rlc. Donna Kimura - Michael & Betty Alcra. Pacific Treasures - Judy Bulb. grandiflorum - Jenny

V. Kultana x V. Pakchong Blue Den. Chao Praya Sweet x C. Elisabeth Calov - Judy Cheryl Den. Hidden Money Luda

Den. bigibbum var. compactum Alba Den. Fantasy Land - Tom Van. Precious - Rod & Jan Nita

Ctsm Orchidglade Den. Chao Preya Candy Paph. Invincible - Marty & Anita Cyc. Caloundra Dawn Micheal & Betty Nita Michael & Betty

Gympie Show

Champion Orchid - Cycd. Taiwan Gold John & Judy Champion species - Phal.bellina John Roberson collecting their awards from Judy Jim.

Our display at Gympie Show Species

Plant of the month - C. forbesii - Rod & Jan Cattleya forbesii was once a common epiphyte in the coastal swamps and riverside forests from east of Rio de Janeiro to southwest of São Paulo. However, clearing land for agriculture has severely depleted the population.

Cultural plant - May - Bulb. rothschildianum. Found in southern Yunnan Province of China, northeastern India, Assam and Myanmar as a small sized, hot to cool growing epiphyte. with ovoid pseudobulbs carrying a single, apical leaf and blooms on a basal, erect, few flowered, umbellate inflorescence that has fragrant [ie. bad] flowers occuring in the spring and fall. This species needs to be grown in a pot or basket with a fast draining medium, partial shade, ample water and fertilizer and good air circulation.I’ve had this plant for several years. I bought it from the collection of Ed McKane who was a very good Nambour member. He grew it attached to a shadecloth ‘sock’ which contained potting mix. The plant grew on the outside of the sock. I don’t give it any special attention. It hangs in the NE corner of my bushhouse. I water and fertilise same time as my other plants. It flowers every year but this is the first time I was fortunate enough to have it flowering when the species day was on. These are very good days and you don’t have to bring a plant to be welcome. As I am not particularly fond of the Bulbos, I no longer have this plant. Mal. Our species get together for May was at the home of Wayne & Jean. Thank you both for making us feel so welcome. Winners for the day were Judges Choice Cattleya forbesii - Rod, & Cultural Bulbophyllum rothschildianum - Mal. 51 plants were displayed on the bench on the day. Names are as per the Kew WCSP list: Anothallis obovate, Bifrenaria vitelline, Bulbophyllum digoelense, Bulbophyllum dissitiflorum, Bulbophyllum fascinator, Bulbophyllum lasiochilum, Bulbophyllum lepidum Bulbophyllum mastersianum, Bulbophyllum mcphersonii, Bulbophyllum pictum, Bulbophyllum putidum, Bulbophyllum rothscildianum x 3, Bulbophyllum salebrosum Bulbophyllum sicyobulbon, Calanthe vestita, Cattleya cernua x 3, Cattleya forbesii, Cattleya lundii, Ceratostylis retisquama x 2, Cleisostoma chantaburiense, Cleisostoma subulatum, Dendrobium bigibbum var. superbum, Dendrobium bowmanii x 2, Dendrobium exile, Epidendrum ciliare, Epidendrum porpax, Gastrochilus dasypogon, Gastrochilus obliquus, Holcoglossum wangii, Laelia anceps, Macodes petola, Masdevallia hedwigiae, Phalaenopsis bellina x 2, Phalaenopsis hieroglyphica, Phalaenopsis pulcherrima, Phalaenopsis violacea, Prosthechea boothiana x 2, Prosthechea cochleata, Renanthera histrionica, Stenoglottis longifolia, Trichoglottis latisepala, Vanda falcata ‘Pink’, Vanda luzonica April Popular vote & Judges Choice

Class & Judges Choice 1st 2nd 3rd Cattleya. Rlc.Donna Kimura. C. Elisabeth Calov Rlc . Donna Kimura. Rlc.Donna Kimura. Michael & Betty. Bob & Joan Michael & Betty. Michael & Betty. Bc.Hawaii Stars. Bob & Joan. Oncidium Oncsa.Sweet Sugar. Alcra. Pacific Treasures. Judy. Onc.Ruth’s Rainbow. Alcra.Pacific Treasures. Col & Marilyn. Nita Judy. Alcra.Pacific Treasures. Judy. Vanda/Phal V. Kultana x V.Thananchai x V.Vivian. V.Guo Chia Long x Van.Precious. Rod & V.Pakchong Blue. Rod & Jan. V.Mem.Choo Laikeun. Jan. Cheryl. Richard V.unknown.Delwyn.

Dendrobium. Den.Candy Stripe.Nita. Den.Red Toro x stratiotes. Den.Burbank Sweet x Den.Burbank Sweet x Cliff. Den.Santi Fancy. Den.Santi Fancy. Beryl & Graham. Beryl and Graham.

Any Other. Ctsm.Orchidglade. Bulb.Elizabeth Ann. Ctsm.Orchidglade. . Ctsm. Orchidglade. Michael & Betty. Charlie & Gina. Michael & Betty. Michael & Betty Cyc.Caloundra Dawn. Michael & Betty. Paph/Phrag. . Paph.Invincible. Marty Phrag.Unknown.. Phrag Calurum. Jenny Paph. Invincible. & Anita Rob & Joan. Paph.Invincible. Marty & Anita Marty & Anita. Exotic Species. Bulb.medusae. Judy. Coryanthes macrantha.Judy No 3rd. Bulb medusae. Judy. Pescatoria ecuadorana. Rod & Jan Bulb.grandiflorum. Jenny. Aust. Native Hybrids. Den.Fantasy Land. Den.Pauline. Rob & Joan. No 3rd. Den. Pauline. Tom. Den.Pearl Vera. Rob & Joan. Col & Marilyn. Aust. Native Species. Den.bigibbum. Judy Den.antennatum. Cliff. Den.rigidum. Den. bigibbum. Judy. Den. bigibbum Nita. Charlie & Gina.

Novice. Den.Burana Dark Blue. Oncidium unknown. Bryan. Cattleya unknown. Den.Burana Dark Blue. P atrick & Heather. Bryan. Patrick & Heather.

Foliage. Fittonia. Bryan. Aglaonema Red Tiara. Fittonia. Bryan. Neoregelia Melanie. Nita. Cheryl. JUDGES CHOICE OVERALL: Bulbophyllum medusa. Judy.

Kindly change your labels to the name on this sheet if it differs from the name on your plant label.

Nambour Orchid Society

Information and Contacts

Business meeting Is held on the 4th Saturday of each month at 12.45pm prior to the cultural meeting All members are welcome to attend. Cultural meeting Is held on the 4th Saturday of the month at the Nambour Uniting Church Hall, Coronation Ave., Nambour at 2pm. All members and visitors are welcome. Plants are to be tabled by 1.30pm for judging.

The Species Appreciation Group get together is held monthly from February to November at member’s homes. Contact the Secretary for details. All STOCQ members are welcome. Bring your flowering species plants, a chair, a cup and a plate to share for afternoon tea.

Patron Rob Wright

President Gina McMonagle 07 5439 6353

Vice President G Robertson 07 5442 1288

Secretary Alison Parkes 07 5441 7201 [email protected]

Treasurer Jean Harris 07 5445 3307

Editor Richard Hand 07 5442 2879 rhand39@gmail,com

A reminder for all winners of Judges Choice, cultural awards etc. at both our meetings, please send a few lines on how you grow your plants, growing conditions and anything relevant, for inclusion in the Newsletter to - [email protected]. Information is required two weeks prior to the monthly meeting

FOR SALE Nambour Orchid Society members may use space in the Newsletter free of charge, if you have any Orchid related items for sale, please send your ad to [email protected] no later than 2 weeks prior to the monthly meeting

PO Box 140, Nambour QLD 4560 [email protected] www.nambourorchidsociety.com

Supporters of Cittamani Hospice Services Cittamani Hospice Services are in Palmwoods and provide end of life palliative care for people in need in their own homes. They also provide essential equipment free of charge for patients use in their own home. Nambour Orchid Society Show Calendar 2018 (NOS commitment in blue) June Saturday 16th STOCQ & OQI meeting Hosted by Maryborough OS July Fri/Sat/Sun 12/13/14 Nambour Garden Expo. Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Ave. Nambour Fri/Sat/Sun 20/21/22 Caboolture OS Show Morayfield Community Centre 18th to 22nd July 21st AOC Conference Hawkesbury Indoor Stadium, 16 Stewart St, South Windsor, Sydney August Fri/Sat 10/11 Maroochydore OS show Milwell Road Community Centre, Maroochydore Sat/Sun 11/12 Agnes Water OS show Agnes Water Community Centre, 71 Springs Road, Fri/Sat 31st Aug & 1st Sept Nambour OS Spring Show Uniting Church Hall, Coronation Ave, Nambour September Sat 1st Nambour OS Spring Show Day 2 Fri/Sat 31st Aug 1st Sept. Childers OS Spring Show Cultural Centre, Childers Fri/Sat 14/15 Noosa Show RSL Hall Cooroy if renovated Fri/Sat 21/22 Glasshouse Country OS Beerwah Community Hall, Peachester Road. Fri/Sat/Sun. 28th/ 29th /30th Hervey Bay show Xavier Catholic College 1 Wide Bay Drive, Eli Waters, Hervey Bay October Fri /Sat 12/13 Bribie Island OS Show The Orchid House, First Ave. Bribie Island Sat/Sun 20/21 Orchid Species Society show Auditorium Mt Cootha Botanic Gardens November Fri/Sat 2/3 set up Thurs 1st Nambour OS Species Show Uniting Church Hall, Coronation Ave, Nambour Saturday 10th STOCQ & OQI meetings Caboolture 2018 AOC Conference 18th to 22nd July 21st AOC Conference Hawkesbury Indoor Stadium, 16 Stewart St, South Windsor, Sydney Orchidfest

Will proudly host Will proudly host Will proudly host the 10th STOCQ the 10th STOCQ the 10th STOCQ Conference in 2019 Conference in 2019 Conference in 2019

“ROCKY ROUND-UP” ORCHIDFEST “ROCKY ROUND-UP” ORCHIDFEST “ROCKY ROUND-UP” ORCHIDFEST

WILL BE STAGED AT KORTE’S RESORT WILL BE STAGED AT KORTE’S RESORT WILL BE STAGED AT KORTE’S RESORT BRUCE HIGHWAY PARKHURST BRUCE HIGHWAY PARKHURST BRUCE HIGHWAY PARKHURST ROCKHAMPTON ROCKHAMPTON TH TH ROCKHAMPTON 14 & 15 SEPTEMBER 2019 TH TH TH TH 14 & 15 SEPTEMBER 2019 14 & 15 SEPTEMBER 2019

Pictures from Korte’s Resort Pictures from Korte’s Resort Pictures from Korte’s Resort

Entries are invited from individuals and Entries are invited from individuals and Entries are invited from individuals and Societies/Clubs Societies/Clubs Societies/Clubs For further information check out our For further information check out our For further information check out our website which will be updated regularly in website which will be updated regularly in website which will be updated regularly in the lead up to the conference. the lead up to the conference. the lead up to the conference.

www.rockhamptonorchidsociety.com.au www.rockhamptonorchidsociety.com.au www.rockhamptonorchidsociety.com.au